There are over 3.3 million science and engineering graduates in the UK and a Nature survey (PDF) of its readers before the election found that 80 per cent thought that a candidate's position on science would affect their vote.

But this turned out to have about as much influence on the vote as the high approval ratings of Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg.

Being highly knowledgeable about science and effective at influencing science policymaking was not enough to save the Liberal Democrat science spokesman, Evan Harris, who lost by just 176 votes to Conservative rival Nicola Blackwood in the Abingdon and Oxford West constituency.

Paul Drayson, Labour's science minister, said: "Parliament has lost a leading advocate for science, Evan Harris will be sorely missed."

On the Labour side, Charles Clarke, a consistent friend to science on both the front and back benches, also lost his Norwich South seat.

"This election looks to have had a truly dreadful outcome for science, regardless of which party or parties ultimately go on to form the government. It has denuded the House of Commons of science's strongest advocates, and significantly eroded its scientific expertise."

And David Tredinnick, the Conservative who supports astrology and homeopathy, won in Bosworth. New Scientist's own Michael Brooks of the Science Party got 0.4 per cent of the vote.

Brooks tweeted: "Proudly last with 197 votes. But a big point made. Thanks to all for support. I'm afraid Mr Tredinnick is returning to Westminster."

Nick Dusic, on his last day at CaSE, reminds us all that people should engage and lobby their MPs about science issues, even if they didn't vote for them or they have not showed an interest in science during the election.

Given we now have a hung parliament, it is critical that the parties develop a consensus on science policies for the sake of the economy in the long term.

As a voter in Oxford West, I would like to apologise on behalf of the electorate for getting rid of Evan Harris and the good work he has done not only for the area but also on behalf of the scientific community in Westminster.

The new Tory MP has got a lovely singing voice though, so it's not all bad.

One final point, Dr Lynne Jones stepped out of the running this year. :(

genetic
on May 7, 2010 1:57 PM

have you considered that perhaps science can be done without the government? perhaps you could do something for yourselves without the government's involvement for once. maybe if the government wasn't already taking so much of your income for social spending you would have more of it that you could personally donate to universities and other research institutions as you see fit.

but that would give you personal responsibility and then you wouldn't be able to live like a child of 'the state' anymore. grow up.

@genetic
on May 7, 2010 2:24 PM

the question is more about whether good government be done without science.